J-K government orders probe into shrine fire

"Divisional Commissioner Kashmir (Asgar Samoon) will hold a probe into the unfortunate fire incident and submit a report to the government within a few days," minister for Law Ali Mohammad Sagar told reporters here.

Sagar, who is also the local MLA of Khanyar constituency, said that the inquiry officer will look into the cause of the blaze and the incidents that took place after it.

The minister appealed to the people to cooperate with the government in maintaining peace in the area. "People should not pay any heed to rumours and maintain peace," he said.

Sagar said the Muslim Waqf Board will soon start reconstruction of the shrine and the mosque as per the old design. "The digital images of the design (of the shrine) are available with the Waqf Board and the work will start soon on it," he said.

Earlier, Sagar and minister of state for Home Nasir Aslam Wani and two political advisors of the chief minister reviewed the situation along with senior police and civil administration officials.

He said the anger of the residents was justifiable to some extent which resulted in clashes, adding the situation was under control.